Eddie Hanna

Eddie Hanna was born on September 15, 1927 Table Rock, Nebraska, his parents were Edd and Anna (Hubka) Hanna. Eddie and his wife Betty LaVere (Rademacher) Hanna live in Oakland Nebraska. They have five children Deborah Hanna Anderson, Teresa Hanna Rogers, Thomas Hanna, Steven Hanna, and Daniel Hanna. They have nine Grandchildren and thirteen Great Grandchildren.

Eddie attended grade school and high school in Table Rock where he graduated in 1945. He then went to the University of Nebraska until he entered the service. Upon his return from the service , he attened Peru State College where he was listed among Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. Eddie graduated as a music major in 1950.

Eddie got his first saxophone at age 10, and started lessons while in the 5th grade. By the time he was in the 8th grade he was playing with the old-timers and preforming at the Table Rock Opera House. Eddie played in the Table Rock School band from 1937 thru 1945, and as a soloist received a Highly Superior at the National Music Contest that consisted of musicians from 18 states. At the time he was in the 9th grade.

Upon graduation from college Eddie taught at Hamburg, Iowa and West Point Nebraska public schools. His band at West Point was considered one of the best high school bands in Nebraska. In 1955 he went into the insurance business with State Farm, but his love of music and teaching young people still was in his heart so he took a part time teaching job at Craig, Nebraska. He started an instrumental program and within two years his band won a superior rating. His vocal and instrumental groups won 12 out of a possible 14 superior ratings.

Eddie’s first professional job was in 1940 when he was only in the 8th grade and the band was the Lad Trecek Polka Band. He also played for the Table Rock Oldtimers Polka Band. While in the service he played in the 124th AGF Band. In 1948 while at Peru State College he started the famous Tommy Bishop Orchestra that entertained dancers until New Year’s Eve 2009.

During the past several years Eddie has conducted church choirs and community choirs that have traveled to Washington D.C. and Mt. Rushmore South Dakota. He has also been active in the Oakland Community Players.

In the book written by Dr. Vladimir Kucera of the University of Nebraska, Eddie Hanna was listed as one of the outstanding musicians in Nebraska of Czech desent.